KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 30): Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) and Brahim’s Holdings Bhd are ending their decades-old in-flight catering partnership after a “thorough and prolonged” negotiation period, and MAG will resort to self-catering from Sept 1.
In a statement on Wednesday, MAG, the parent company of Malaysia Airlines Bhd, said it had received a formal discontinuation notice terminating the partnership on June 30, but Brahim’s subsequently agreed to a two-month extension ending Aug 31.
“In November 2022, MAG resumed its contract renewal process following BFS’ (Brahim’s Food Services) conditional licence reinstatement by the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom).
“The aim was to establish a mutually beneficial business proposal benefiting both MAG and BFS, while prioritising consumer interests,” said MAG.
MAG said it will continue to explore diverse strategies to ensure business sustainability, which include partnering with “reputable food and beverage (F&B) providers sharing a commitment to premium passenger experiences and efficient in-flight services at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Terminal 1”.
“The group also remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering a premium customer experience through its service providers and suppliers, and dedicated to ensuring the best possible experience for its customers,” it said.
In the meantime, MAG said it will activate its business continuity plan (BCP) for in-flight meal services on selected routes under Malaysia Airlines, effective from Sept 1.
“The activation of the BCP marks the discontinuation of the legacy partnership on catering services previously provided by BFS on selected domestic and international routes within Malaysia Airlines' network.
“During this transition, Malaysia Airlines will be serving the impacted routes with alternative in-flight F&B, ensuring seamless operations while minimising any potential impact on customer comfort and experience. Other remaining routes will continue to be served by the current provider, POS Aviation Sdn Bhd,” it said.
MAG said it had “carefully planned” for self-catering operations under Malaysia Airlines, involving the sourcing of pre-packed meal items and F&B supplies from multiple providers, including its lounge operator MAS Awana.
“Meanwhile, MAG’s ground handling company, AeroDarat Services, will be managing the in-flight meal uplift process on board the aircraft.
“To facilitate this, a temporary distribution centre has been established at KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), in accordance with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), and the Ministry of Health,” said the national airline.